Edwin Joseph Stokes

Edwin Joseph “Joe” Stokes of Ballinger passed away Monday, June 23, 2008 at his residence. He was 55.

Joe was born October 14, 1952 in Ballinger where he lived most of his life. His parents, Morris and Media Pearl Stokes (Davis), were also longtime Ballinger residents. On March 6, 1997 he married Eddie Jo Brookshire in Ballinger. During the Vietnam War, he served his country in the US Army. Joe was an experienced law enforcement officer, employed at one time by Ballinger Police Department and for the past 23 years by the Runnels County Sheriff Department. He was known as a “good deputy who did a good job.” He was a member of the Ballinger Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was serving as County Fire Marshall and Fire Investigator. In addition to his dedication to his work and to his community, Joe was deeply devoted to his family who lovingly called him “Papa Joe.”

Joe is survived by his wife, Eddie Jo of Ballinger; children, Stephanie Sproul and husband, Bryan, of San Angelo; Justin Stokes and Aaron Ellis both of Ballinger; grandson, Landon Sproul of San Angelo; and his mother, Media Pearl Stokes (Davis) of Ballinger. Also surviving are a sister, Kathy Fritze and husband, Clifford, of Ballinger; a brother, David Stokes; nephews, Eric and Aaron Fritze; and parents-in-law, Weldon and Jeanne Brookshire.

There will be a time of visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, June 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with Rev. Hugh Wade officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.